Here's the article.<br><br>Now not saying there are NO concerns - there are plenty, but some of theirs are trivial IMHO.<br><br>1. Cost... <br>yeah $500-600 seems high, but consider the first iPod costs $500... this is and iPod, a phone, a PDA, an internet connection, a camera, video player, and even more. ...seems hollow to claim it costs too much- LOOK what it DOES!<br><br>2. One Carrier... <br>definitely a minus, but to get it launched, I'm sure Jobs had to offer some initial exclusivity... more carriers after 1-2 years, assuming it survives.<br><br>3. Unexpected glitches... <br>sure COULD happen, but it's all speculation, Apple's track record isn't perfect, but it's much better than most... this is FUD.<br><br>4. Competition... <br>sure phone service vs music service... but the appeal is very great considering its features... assuming they work rather flawlessly (don't have to be perfect), teens will be flocking to this device.... and many technical savvy adults.<br><br>5. CISCO dispute... <br>trivial...gimme a break... it's not clear WHO had the trademark first and does the "i" use ... ie iMac, iPod, iTunes, iPhoto, ... give Apple some legal clout?<br><br>THE ONE thing they didn't elaborate on was the Service cost. They lumped it in with cost of the Phone... this is a separate issue in itself, in that many would spring for the phone, but if service costs $50+/ month... it'll stiffle use. I;m willing to pay an extra $25 or so, but if Cingular (my carrier) tries to $1 and $5 me to death- fsck that ! I don't care if the phone comes with an electric vibrator attachment, I won't buy it ! <br><br>David (OFI)

Japan version (at least my take on it)<br><br>1. Cost - no obstacle in Japan. People are always getting new cell phones and replacing them with expensive top of the line ones. With the name Apple and it's style Japanese would buy it up just for that.<br><br>2. Carrier - I am sure Apple is all ready looking into this. A model tends to have only one carrier, but a few companies have most of the market. Besides, Apple is all about changing the rules. The iPod made it's own market in Japan as well.<br><br>3. Unexpected glitches - Man, Japanese are over-forgiving of unexpected glitches. Don't ask me why.<br><br>4. Competition -Technology for playing music as well as a slew of other integrated technologies is all ready making big headway in Japan, and Apple will be behind that trend. Of course, they didn't invent the MP3 Player either, but they are a lot more behind than they were with the iPod (in Japan at least). I see this as their biggest challenge.<br><br>Here is a link that makes me think so even more:<br>yes, it's a link<br><br>5. Cisco Dispute - NA<br><br>Having said all this, I think the biggest lynch pin is how much the big carriers in Japan want this interloper. If they are interested, they will find customers for it.<br><br>If it's widely successful in the US and elsewhere, I wonder what Microsoft will call it's version? Pzone? (with a silent P?) Zunefone?<br><br><br><br>We are what we repeatedly do. -Aristotle<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by lanovami on 01/23/07 02:41 AM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>

There was an interview in Japan with consumers about the iPhone (can't recall which station had it) and they showed how the phone is used now over there. I was surprised at the amount of uses their phones have..basically like a credit card!<br><br>

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>If it's widely successful in the US and elsewhere, I wonder what Microsoft will call it's version? Pzone? (with a silent P?) Zunefone?<p><hr></blockquote><p>C'mon, dontcha keep up with the times? They've already beat Apple to the punch:<br><br><br><br><br><br>Hey I'm an F'n Jerk!®

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>yeah $500-600 seems high, but consider the first iPod costs $500<p><hr></blockquote><p>the RAZR was also a $500 phone when it was first released, and it sold solely on it's thinness and cool factor. Now it's probably the most popular cell phone ever.<br><br><br><br>Hey I'm an F'n Jerk!®

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>The first iPod cost $399 I believe.<p><hr></blockquote><p>Meps.<br><br>On October 23, 2001 the 5GB iPod was introduced at $399 but the more popular 10GB was introduced at $499. I own one and it still works great. Original battery too.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>the RAZR was also a $500 phone when it was first released, <p><hr></blockquote><p>You're too low too. The original RAZR with a service commitment was down at 500. Without a service commitment the phone was 800 bucks. <br><br>And, same as the iPhone, why not? It will be a limited commodity for a while so why not limit the volume by selling at a steep price. There are people who will gobble it up at 600.<br><br><br><br><br><br>

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>Without a service commitment the phone was 800 bucks. <p><hr></blockquote><p>Are there any morons who bought a phone for $300 more that they couldn't use? :)<br><br>Hey I bet the iphone turns out to become as popular as the RAZR<br><br><br><br>Hey I'm an F'n Jerk!®

Xplain's use of MacNews, AppleCentral and AppleExpo are not affiliated with Apple, Inc. MacTech is a registered trademark of Xplain Corporation. AppleCentral, MacNews, Xplain, "The journal of Apple technology", Apple Expo, Explain It, MacDev, MacDev-1, THINK Reference, NetProfessional, MacTech Central, MacTech Domains, MacForge, and the MacTutorMan are trademarks or service marks of Xplain Corp. Sprocket is a registered trademark of eSprocket Corp. Other trademarks and copyrights appearing in this printing or software remain the property of their respective holders.

All contents are Copyright 1984-2010 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.